REVEREND DR. ROBERT B. FLORIAN

1930 - 2014

REVEREND DR. ROBERT B. FLORIAN, 84, Professor Emeritus in History, Salem International University, of Barboursville, W.Va., formerly of Salem, passed from his earthly life to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Wyngate Senior Living Community in Barboursville, W.Va. He was born January 17, 1930, in Hartford, Connecticut; son of the late Frank B. and Gertrude Bruce Florian. On June 2, 1951, he married the late Barbara Jean Walker, who preceded him in death on February 4, 2007. Dr. Florian is survived by two daughters, Linda Neyhart of Mifflinburg, Pa., Laura Moul and husband, Dave Bias, of Milton, W.Va.; one son, Joseph Florian of Huntington, W.Va.; one grandson, Matthew Neyhart and wife, Sharon, of Aaronsburg, Pa.; one granddaughter, Lisa Regan and husband, Brian, of Bethlehem, Pa.; one great-grandson, Tanner Neyhart of Aaronsburg, Pa.; one brother, Howard Florian and wife, Brenda, of Enfield, Conn.; one sister-in-law, Norine Florian of Falls Church, Va.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and their descendants. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Franklyn, Sherwood, Emerson Florian; and son-in-law William Neyhart. Dr. Florian taught history and religion at the college/university level beginning in 1956, but primarily at Salem International University (College) in WV, from 1958-2000. He was also an ordained minister in the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church serving small churches near Salem for over 17 years. He especially enjoyed teaching small bible study sessions at the Wyngate Senior Living Community in Barboursville and loved reading his Huntington paper every morning. Dr. Florian attended Community of Grace United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends at Greathouse Funeral Home, 1999 W. Main St., Salem, on Friday, April 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Services will be Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Clifford Schell and the Rev. Kevin Bender officiating. Interment will follow at K of P Cemetery. The family has requested that donations be made to Bread of Life Food Pantry, c/o Kevin Bender, 183 East Main St, Salem, WV 26426. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to all of the caring staff of Wyngate the past five years and to Hospice of Huntington the past eight months. Online condolences may be sent to www.GreathouseFuneralHomeWV.com.